Rijeka, Croatia - Rijeka is Croatia's principal seaport and the third-largest city in the country. Traces of neolithic settlements can be found in the region as well as those of Celtic Tharsatica (modern Trsat, now part of Rijeka).

Galway, Ireland - Galway, a city in County Galway in the west of Ireland, can be dated back to 1124. In the Middle Ages it was ruled by 14 merchant families, the so-called Tribes of Galway, and was the principal Irish port for trade with Spain and France.

Rijeka, Croatia - The city's landmark 13th-century Trsat Castle (reconstructed and renovated in the 19th century) stands on the site of a Roman fortress. A restaurant is found in the courtyard where visitors can relax and take in spectacular views while they sample traditional Croatian cuisine.

Galway, Ireland - An excursion out of Galway will bring you to 16th-century Dunguaire Castle, which lies on the southeastern shore of Galway Bay. The grounds are open to tourists during the summer months.

Rijeka, Croatia - Rijeka's Roman heritage is exemplified by the city's Old Gateway (Roman Arch), which marks the main entrance to the center of the fortified compound of Tarsatica, an ancient town on whose ruins medieval Rijeka was built.

Galway, Ireland - Galway's pub culture is famed throughout the land. The King's Head is over 800 years old and was once the 17th-century home of the Mayor of Galway. These days it serves the community as a chic bar and bistro.

Rijeka, Croatia - The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has its own leaning bell tower. The cause of the characteristic tilt is attributed to a subterranean groundwater stream undermining the 14th-century foundations. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0)

Galway, Ireland - The Galway International Arts Festival takes place every year in July. The 2020 event sees national and international artists converging on the city to help celebrate the city's European Capital of Culture status.

Galway, Ireland - A landmark feature of Claddagh is the late 16th-century Spanish Arch built into the original city walls. Interestingly, in 1755, the arches were partially destroyed by the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Galway, Ireland - Familiarize yourself with Galway's history by spending time in the city's museum. Exhibits like the gold royal Claddagh Ring (pictured) number among pieces included in the various collections. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Rijeka, Croatia - Platak is located in northern Croatia, east of Rijeka. If you're visiting the city during the winter months, do what the locals do: stroll the beach in the morning then hit the slopes in the afternoon. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Galway, Ireland - The Browne Door in Eyre Square was the former entrance to the Browne house of 1627. It doesn't represent the original location of the premises, but remains a fine example of the great architecture in the days of Galway's civic opulence between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Rijeka, Croatia - Rijeka's clock tower stands over the original gateway to the city from the port in medieval times. This is a favorite gathering point for locals who say, "Pod uriloj"—"meet me under the clock."

Make sure to pause in front of Lynch's Castle, a striking example of a medieval fortified house. Parts of the limestone building date back to the 14th century. The structure today serves as a bank. You can visit the ground floor during bank opening hours where panels explain the history and architecture of the building in detail.

Rijeka and Galway share European Capital of Culture 2020 status

Two different destinations distinguished with the same honor

Rijeka in Croatia and Galway in Ireland are sharing the honor of European Capital of Culture 2020. The distinction allows both cities to host a series of events with a strong pan-European dimension, while at the same time promoting their own unique history and culture.

Browse the gallery and find out more about these two very different but paired destinations.